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Solid-state storage stores data in integrated circuits rather than on moving magnetic or optical media. A solid-state drive (SSD) is a device that uses this storage method; consumer SSDs commonly store data in non-volatile NAND flash, which retains information without power.
What is solid-state storage, and what is an SSD?
Solid-state storage is a category of data storage that uses electronic memory chips. An SSD is one kind of device in that category. The terms are related, but they are not exact synonyms: solid-state storage describes the method, while SSD names a storage device built around it.
The distinction from a hard disk drive (HDD) is the storage medium. An HDD records data magnetically on rotating disks; an SSD stores it in memory chips and has no moving parts. Seagate defines solid-state storage as storing data with integrated-circuit devices rather than moving magnetic or optical media in its SSD technology paper.
How does an SSD store and retrieve data?
NAND flash and the controller
Most consumer SSDs use NAND flash, a non-volatile memory that preserves data when the drive is switched off. The SSD controller coordinates communication with the computer and translates its read and write requests into operations on the flash. Drives commonly include NAND and a controller; some also use DRAM as cache, but DRAM is not present in every SSD. Samsung describes these components in its SSD explainer.
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- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
Pages, blocks, and cell types
NAND is organized into pages and blocks. Data is programmed in pages, while erasure happens in larger blocks. This difference is one reason the controller must manage how data is placed and moved rather than simply overwriting a location as if it were paper.
NAND cells may store one bit (SLC), two (MLC), three (TLC), four (QLC), or—in some designs—five bits (PLC). More bits per cell generally allow greater storage density and lower cost per capacity, but can come with trade-offs in endurance and performance. A cell label alone does not determine how good a drive is: controller design, firmware, workload, and the rest of the product matter too. SNIA explains these NAND concepts in its SSD reference.
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Solid-state storage compared with an HDD
Because an SSD has no spinning disks or moving read heads, it can be compact, use less power, and handle random access efficiently. HDDs can still be attractive when the priority is high capacity for a lower purchase cost. Neither device is automatically the right choice for every computer or workload.
Performance depends on what the drive is doing. Advertised sequential throughput describes large, continuous transfers; random I/O, latency, and sustained performance under a particular workload are different measures. Capacity, available free space, system compatibility, and budget also shape the comparison. SNIA notes that an SSD’s performance can decline significantly as it fills, since free space supports internal garbage collection and caching behavior.
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What do SATA, NVMe, and M.2 mean?
These labels describe different aspects of storage and should not be used interchangeably. SATA and NVMe relate to the interface or protocol used for communication; M.2 describes a physical form factor. M.2 drives can use SATA or PCIe, so an M.2 slot does not guarantee compatibility with every M.2 SSD.
Before replacing or adding a drive, check the computer or motherboard specifications for the supported form factor, interface, keying, drive length, and capacity. Kingston explains the distinction in its M.2 and NVMe guide. SNIA also lists SATA, NVMe, and SAS among standard storage interfaces.
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- Solid state performance with up to 800MB/s read speeds in a portable drive. (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Back up your content and memories on a storage solution that fits seamlessly into your mobile lifestyle.
- Take it with you on your adventures—up to two-meter drop protection means this durable drive can take a beating. (Based on internal testing.)
- Secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind thanks to the tough rubber hook.
- From Sandisk, a brand professional photographers trust to take on assignments.
How long does solid-state storage last?
NAND flash has finite write endurance. Manufacturers commonly express a drive’s rated endurance as TBW (terabytes written) or DWPD (drive writes per day). These are model-specific specifications, not universal lifespan guarantees: actual endurance varies with workload and factors such as free space and overprovisioning. Check the rating for the exact drive and consider how it will be used; do not infer a service life from the SSD label alone. SNIA discusses these measures in its SSD reference.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choosing a solid-state drive
Start with the device’s compatibility requirements, then match capacity and performance to the workload. For an upgrade, verify the supported interface and form factor before choosing a drive. For performance-sensitive work, compare relevant specifications rather than relying only on sequential throughput figures. For endurance, consult the manufacturer’s TBW or DWPD rating for that specific model.
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